The longest fjord in the world. The best fjords of Norway: photos, reviews. What to see in a week? The bright colors of the Misty Fjords
Norway is a country of fjords, famous for its beautiful nature and stunning landscapes. The fjords are clear proof of this. They are narrow, winding sea bays of glacial origin that cut into mainland for many kilometers. There are fjords in European and North American countries, but the largest and most beautiful cluster of such formations can be observed in the western part of Scandinavia. Thanks to his geographical location Norway has a huge number of beautiful fjords, which attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Lovers find their refuge here extreme species sports and just those who want to take a break from the civilization of big cities. See further description and photo 10 the best fjords in Norway, which will come in handy if you ever come to this country.
The most beautiful fjords in Norway
1. Geirangerfjord
Among the most popular Norwegian fjords belongs to Geirangerfjord in the Sunnmøre region. The beauty of its landscape will captivate tourists and travelers. In addition to enjoying the splendor of the local landscapes, vacationers are invited to go fishing, rafting, horseback riding or kayaking. There are also two small villages in the bay where cruise ships stop. Another splendor of the Geirangerfjord is its waterfalls, emerging from the forest thickets and rushing straight into the waters of the bay. Geirangerfjord has received UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
2. Sognefjord
The record holder for the longest length among the best fjords in Norway is the Sognefjord, which also occupies the second longest position in the world. It is located in the province of Sogn og Fjordane. Visitors to Norway are invited to appreciate the beauty of this place both from the bay and from the land. Serene boat trips on a motor ship will give you a palette of colorful emotions, and on land tourists will be able to visit one (or several) of the five local colorful villages. Those interested can visit local attractions - national park, museum and church.
3. Lysefjord
This beautiful fjord in Norway gained its popularity thanks to the picturesque cliffs - Preikestolen and Kjerag - which are the main attractions of this place. Tourists are offered several travel routes (both land and water), each of which will present vacationers with its own picturesque and mesmerizing perspectives. In addition, on the top of the Preikestolen rock is the House of the same name, which opens its doors to its visitors, and in the summer offers them accommodation and meals. Lots of tourists await in Lysefjord active species sports and recreation. The fjord is located in the Vestland region.
4. Oslofjord
One of the most beautiful fjords in Norway is the Oslofjord. This sea bay is unique in that over a thousand small islands are located throughout its territory. On land, you will find several of Norway's most wonderful cities, each of which is famous for something of its own: for example, Halden - found its place in the country's anthem, Drammen - gave the world the great biathlete Bjoerndalen. Like any other self-respecting fjord, there is also a pier for cruise ships.
5. Hardangerfjord
Spring is the best time to visit Hardangerfjord, as at this time of year the fjord's already picturesque beauty is enhanced by flowering trees. A little later, trees will begin to bend their branches everywhere, full of fruits: pears, apples, cherries (by the way, there are rumors that the most delicious cherries in all of Norway grow here). If speak about natural beauty Hardangerfjord, then they have practically no competition in all of Norway. The beautiful view of the mountains and glaciers fascinates tourists, the waterfalls captivate their views, and you will want to do fishing and boating here forever. Hardangerfjord is one of the best resorts countries. It is located in southwestern Norway.
6. Nærøyfjord
Nærøyfjord has the smallest width among the fjords of Norway (from 300 to 1000 meters). When you observe its landscape, you get the feeling that water surface The fjord is carefully squeezed between mountain ranges that are trying to oppress it. The fjord got its name from the ancient Norwegian deity Njord, who was known as the patron of the sea. There are many small and medium-sized settlements on both sides of the fjord, which, coupled with the splendor of the landscape, creates a beautiful picturesque backdrop to Nærøyfjord.
7. Westfjord
Quite unusual in terms of definitions is the Norwegian Westfjord, because it is also characterized as an estuary or an open bay. On the territory of this fjord they have been fishing for cod since medieval times. And the killer whales that live in its waters have become a kind of “attraction” of the Westfjord, which many tourists come to see. It is better to relax here in the warm season, because in winter the fjord is often blown by cold frosty winds.
8. Porsangerfjord
The Porsangerfjord is in fourth position in terms of length among the fjords of Norway - its length exceeds 120 kilometers. The fjord originates near the small village of Lakselv, which has become very popular among tourists. Porsangerfjord offers vacationers to enjoy the beauty of its landscapes, catch a good fishing catch, and also visit the local Stabbursdalen National Park. Local nature practically untouched by man and thereby captivates its guests.
9. Trondheimsfjord
The Norwegian Trondheimsfjord has a unique climate and nature. It is named after the city of Trondheim, located on the shore of the estuary. This fjord is famous for the fact that whole year there is no snow here. This is why a unique ecosystem has formed in the coastal waters - over 90 species of marine fish live in the Trondheimsfjord. Mostly those who prefer peace and quiet come here to relax. But it’s worth considering that a significant portion of the fjord’s land area is occupied by a large, wealthy commercial area.
10. Storfjord
A special place among all the fjords of Norway is given to Storfjord. Translated, its name means “big fjord”. It is famous for the fact that, with its length of 110 kilometers, it also manages to split in two, forming two other fjords - Geirangerfjord and Tafjordfjord. But with all this, Storfjord remains “behind the scenes” of tourist life - it is little known and therefore not popular among vacationers, and information about it is not presented in almost any tourist brochure or postcard.
Fjord- a narrow and winding bay with rocky shores. Most fjords have tectonic origin and arose as a result of plate movement. Many of them were formed due to the melting of the glacier. Typically, the length of a fjord is many times greater than its width. Today fjords can be seen in countries such as: Greenland, Norway, Russia, USA, New Zealand. Most fjords are located in Norway. Norway is a country of fjords, here you can tour such fjords as: Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Trondheimsfjord and Nordfjord. I will tell you about my journey through one of the fjords - Sognefjord.
Sognefjord is the second largest fjord in the world and the first in Europe. Its length reaches 204 km, and its depth is 1308 meters. This is one of the most picturesque fjords. You can get to it in several ways; I started my journey from the city of Bergen. On the site http://www.fjordtours.no/ There are several options for fjord tours. All of them are carefully organized, and the routes are planned in such a way that the road is comfortable for tourists. It is worth noting that tickets for the tour are not cheap. The tour can be booked in advance by paying for it online, or you can purchase it at the ticket office at the station before departure. I chose the first method, since I prefer to do everything in advance, and I was not mistaken. Before the tour departed, there was a decent queue of people at the ticket office. Despite this, they all managed to buy tickets and went on a trip with us.
For my trip, I chose the “Norway in a nutshell” tour. The tour is a road to the Sognefjord which you get to first by train, then along the legendary Flåm railway, after that you transfer to a ferry, and at the final stage a bus picks you up and takes you to the train station, from where you return to Bergen again by train. The entire tour takes a full day and lasts from 8 am to 7 pm. It’s worth mentioning right away that this tour differs from the usual excursion in our understanding: there are no guides here, no one will wait for you and guide you. When purchasing a tour, you receive a set of tickets for all types of transport that you will use during the trip.
The path starts from the railway station.
From here tourists travel by train to the hill station of Mirdle. It is worth considering that there is no separate train for tourists. The train is a regular passenger train and goes to Oslo (with all stops), so listen carefully to the announcements about stops so as not to miss yours. The train is very comfortable, somewhat reminiscent of the Russian Sapsan. This is where our journey begins. The road passes through picturesque landscapes. Due to the complexity of the landscape, many sections of the railway tracks are laid along cliffs. Looking out the window, you can see a steep cliff below you. Small villages, separate from major cities near turbulent rivers, they impress tourists with their unusual location. You won't find this in Russia! The train passes through long tunnels. The whole journey to Mirdle takes about 2 hours, but this time flies by very quickly.
Lonely houses on the way to Myrdle station
Mirdle is a mountain transfer station. There is small town, which is located 867 meters above sea level. The famous Flåm Railway starts from here. What is she famous for? I'll tell you further.
Once you get off the train, you'll have a few minutes to take photos of the views before heading on your way. Usually, another train will already be waiting for you at the station, which will take you further. There are no fixed seats on the Flåm Railway, so sit in a position where you can see everything. Entering the train, you are immediately amazed by its interior appearance. It resembles trains from the distant past: simple seats, large windows, red interior. Without unnecessary amenities, but at the same time very comfortable.
The Flåm Railway is considered the most scenic road in Europe. Its route passes over mountains, villages and waterfalls. This railway was built over 20 years. Its length is more than 20 km and runs through 20 tunnels. The entire road goes along steep cliffs and rises 863 meters up. This is the art of engineering. All tunnels here are cut by hand.
During the trip, the train makes a stop near the Sjösfossen waterfall. Here you can go out and admire the beautiful view.
Also, the train route runs past another waterfall - Rjaanderfossen, whose height is 140 meters and past the Flåm Church, built in 1667.
The path ends in the Flåm valley on the shores of the Aurladsfjord, from where we will sail along the Sagnanfjord by ferry. Here tourists are given several hours to walk around the area, admire the views, go to the available shops and have a snack.
Houses in the Flåm Valley
Big "land" in the Flåm Valley
In the valley there is a small village of several houses, a grocery store, a souvenir shop, several hotels with restaurants and the Flåm Railway Museum, which is free. The museum itself is small, but worth a visit.
Flam Railway Museum
After some time, all tourists are invited to board the ferry, which is operated by two experienced sailors of venerable age.
The ferry on which tourists travel along the fjord
The ferry begins its journey along the Aurladsfjord, which then passes into Nareifjord. These two fjords are branches of the famous Sognanfjord. On both sides you can see huge rocks covered with lush vegetation. Many rocks are cut by mountain streams, falling down with great speed and noise.
At the foot of the fjord there are small villages and detached houses, and numerous herds of sheep graze on the gentle slopes. It is worth noting that here you immediately remember that sheep are traditional occupation Norwegians. They make warm clothes from sheep's wool, use milk to make cheese, and eat meat.
Small villages located right on the fjords
From the windows local residents mountain view
At every new turn, an absolutely magnificent view opens up: green peaks give way to white, snow-strewn peaks. At such moments you begin to understand how high these mountains are compared to humans!
Many Norwegians travel this route by boat.
After a two-hour walk along the fjord, the ferry brings us to a small village - Gudvingen. From here our journey will continue by bus. Tourists have some time to explore the village and check out the local shops. What’s interesting is that the entire village is made in the form of a Viking village: small houses with green roofs, cafes with carved chairs.
In the village you can find many reminders of the Vikings
In addition to the store, in the village there is also a small hotel with 5-6 rooms. In the rooms you will find a large bed covered with animal skins. There is no one else in the village except tourists who arrived by ferry and local residents who service all the buildings. There is peace and quiet here. It is in this corner that you can feel unity with nature.
After a little rest We are picked up by a comfortable bus, which takes tourists along the serpentine road up to the railway station in the village of Voss, from where the train departs for Bergen. The journey by bus takes no more than half an hour and passes along local villages.
The last leg of the journey is by train. You come back again railway station Bergen, where they started their journey.
The trip leaves a lot of impressions. I visited the fjords at the end of October, the weather was cool, I had to wear a thick sweater, jacket and hat. In autumn, the fjords are even more beautiful: a riot of yellow, red, green colors creates the feeling of a fairy tale.
The sun is a rare guest here
By purchasing a comprehensive ticket, you will not have to pay any more fares throughout your journey. Of course, you can purchase all tickets separately; at each section of the route there are ticket offices where you can buy the necessary ticket, for example for a ferry or bus. But it is much more convenient to purchase all the tickets at once and not worry about it anymore. There were no problems with transfers; all routes ended where another section of the route immediately began. It is extremely difficult to get lost with such an organization.
There are many routes to the fjords. For example, large catamarans depart directly from Bergen to the fjords daily. These catamarans sail through the night and make a longer route. However, you will not be able to visit the Flåm Railway and admire its views. But I think you will get no less impressions.
It seems that there is a dead end ahead. But around the corner new views open up
When visiting Norway, you should definitely set aside one day to see the magnificent and picturesque fjords!
The meaning of the word “fjord” in Scandinavia is more general than in the rest of the world - for example, in the eastern part of Norway the term is also used for narrow freshwater lakes or even rivers.
However, a fjord is usually considered to be a rocky sea bay with a sinuous shape, penetrating inland for many kilometers. Most fjords are deeper than the adjacent sea level. The height of the rocks that form the shores of such a bay reaches several hundred meters, and the length exceeds the width many times. Usually, many branches branch off from the main fjord, forming a kind of tree-like structure.
Some regions of Chile, New Zealand, the USA, Russia, Canada and other countries can boast of the presence of such natural wonders. But the most interesting fjords are located in Scandinavia, and the most picturesque in Norway.
Norwegian fjords
Located in Greenland, Scoresby, whose length is 350 km, and the height of the rocky shores reaches almost 1.5 km, is considered the longest in Europe.
The second and third places are rightfully occupied by the Norwegian Sogneford and Hardangerfjord. The length of the first is 204 km with a maximum width of 6 km and a bank height of just over 1.3 km. The dimensions of the second are more modest - length 183 km, width 10 km, and height 750 m.
There are more than a thousand fjords in Norway. Some of them are extremely narrow (in some places no more than 250m), for example, Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, while others, on the contrary, are wide like bays - Boknafjord or Thornheimsfjord. Often the fjords are so deep and wide (especially in western Norway) that they can only be crossed by ferry. Historically, these bays were the only possible main routes, since overland travel through such terrain is difficult, if not simply impossible. To this day, the fjords remain a serious obstacle to construction railways and highways.
Climate
In winter, the fjords usually do not freeze, thanks to the relatively warm ocean. Summer temperatures also depend on the distance of the ocean - on the outer parts they are quite moderate, while inside the summer is relatively long and warm. This climate makes it possible to grow fruits and berries on an industrial scale inside the fjords, in fields protected from the winds. Most of fruit and berry products grow on the slopes of the Hardangerfjord.
The most beautiful fjords
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, located in southwestern Norway, are separated by a distance of 120 km and are part of the western Norwegian fjord, which stretches from Stavanger in the south to Åndalsnes 500 km in the northeast. Two fjords, which are among the longest and deepest in the world, are included in the list of the most picturesque. Numerous waterfalls, forested shores, lakes and glaciers create an unusually beautiful landscape. In 2005, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord were included in the list world heritage UNESCO.
In addition to the Sogne, Hardanger, Geiranger and Nærøyfjords, the following are popular among tourists:
- Lysefjord, thanks to the picturesque cliffs of Preikestolen and Kjerag;
- Oslofjord, on whose territory there are hundreds of small islands;
- Westfjord, in whose waters killer whales live, and many others.
Coral reefs
At the beginning of the 21st century, along the bottom of some Norwegian fjords, were discovered and partially explored Coral reefs, located at a depth of 40 to 150 m. It is believed that it is thanks to their presence that the Norwegian coastline is such a good place for fishing. Many forms of life are found on reefs: plankton, corals, anemones, fish, several species of sharks and others. Most are specially adapted to living under high water pressure and in complete darkness.
Norway is considered one of the most interesting countries Europe precisely because of the beauty of its landscapes, the unusualness of which is given by the fjords, which intricately cut almost the entire coastline.
What are the fjords of Norway
The word fjord can be literally translated as bay. It is in Norway that their number is largest. If we take into account only the main fjords without branches, then there are 97 of them. And the most amazing thing is that each fjord has its own unforgettable landscape and its own history. Some of them are several tens of meters long, while others extend for tens of kilometers.
The appearance of fjords in Norway is due to 2 reasons:
- As a result of tectonic movements of the earth's crust, the crust breaks and a fjord appears in its place.
- After the Ice Age, ice floes began to melt, collecting and dragging huge boulders with them. As a result, the structure of the earth's surface changed and unique bays of Norway appeared.
To get acquainted with all the fjords, you need to travel around the country for several months, which is quite difficult. Therefore, you can see all the beauty of nature by visiting the most famous fjords. In order to find them, you need to travel along the roads leading from the cities of Bergen and Ålesund.
Unique for its size. Sognefjord honorably takes second place in the list of the largest fjords in the world. It is as much as 204 km long, and maximum depth equal to 1308 meters. The fjord is located next to the city of Bergen.
The fjord landscape is very rich: this and majestic mountains with snow caps, and endless meadows, and breathtaking waterfalls. Tourists can visit Sognefjord on both cruise ship, or by walking or cycling.
Compared to the endless Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord seems quite small. After all, its length is only 20 km. But even despite its small size, it is still considered the most visited fjord by tourists.
Already in 2006, Geirangerfjord was included in the UNESCO list. Tourists can not only enjoy picturesque place, but also fishing, rafting and kayaking.
There is also a real threshold to heaven on this fjord, where the most best view. The fjord's waterfalls also delight tourists.
And this fjord is considered the narrowest in Norway. The surrounding rocks seem to embrace the waters of the bay. According to legend, the fjord is named after the god Njord, who fell in love with this bay for its picturesque landscapes. God liked the sea fjord much more than the endless seas and oceans and he began to protect it.
Nærøyfjord is located 150 km from Bergen. Once you reach it, you can walk along the royal path, see a stunning panorama from the Stegastein observation deck and visit the real Viking village of Gudvangen.
Today is a photo post about the fjords of Norway, which I was lucky enough to visit in July of this year. In weather like this outside the window, you especially want rich colors, and the fjord region of Norway is just the place where bright colors are in abundance.
Therefore, I invite you to my fairy tale, because for me a trip to an amazing land of glaciers and gorges became a real summer miracle. During our trip we stayed in excellent hotels, I can confidently recommend any of them. Links to hotels are provided in the description of each fjord.
What are fjords?
Fjords are narrow, winding sea bays of glacial origin, cutting into the mainland for many kilometers. There are similar formations in Greenland, Iceland, Canada, Chile, Montenegro, New Zealand and even Russia, but the largest and most beautiful section of fjords is located in the west of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Norway is not a cheap country, and most people go there for no more than a week. Therefore, I will tell you only about those places that, in my opinion, definitely deserve to be included in the trip itinerary. Getting to know the Norwegian fjords most often begins with or, which I wrote about earlier, but now let’s go to the sea!
Geirangerfjord
Geiranger is one of the most visited fjords in Norway, and this popularity is absolutely deserved and justified. It is only 15 km long, located 100 km from the city of Ålesund, is under UNESCO protection, and it is Geiranger that you most often see in photos and in tourist brochures.
If you have very little time for a vacation in Norway, you can visit only this one - there will be enough entertainment there for several days. We lived at the Hotel Union Geiranger, 4* - this one family hotel For some reason the royals love it. Price per room from 190€. Cool spa area and views of the mountains and fjord.
What to do in Geiranger:
— Hiking along Geiranger to the high mountain farms of Skageflo and Knivsflo. We had lunch at a Westeros farm where llamas and goats live. The food is delicious, the animals are clean, the views are breathtaking.
— Cruise on a ship or boat. We went on a boat ride and it was something! I already wrote more about it, there are a lot of photos, videos and prices on the link.
— Kayaking — in good weather It's nice to kayak along the cliffs and waterfalls of Geiranger.
- Fishing. The water contains cod, pollock, and salmon. You can go fishing all year round, just purchase a license first.
Salmon production on Geiranger — Mountain road Trollstigen, aka “Troll Ladder”. The serpentine winding through the mountains at an angle of 9 degrees is one of the famous attractions of Norway. The length of the route is more than 100 km.
— Eagle Road- This is the steepest section of Trollstigen. A mountain serpentine with 11 very sharp turns and leading from the shores of Geiranger to the top of the mountain at an altitude of 620 m above sea level. This section of the route got its name in honor of large quantities eagles living in that region.
Fords of Norway in the photo:
Viewpoints of Geirangerfjord
Ornesvingen
Having climbed to the top of the mountain along the Eagle Road, we find ourselves on observation deck Ornesvingen. There is indescribable beauty there and many Chinese in yellow clothes. If you're lucky with the weather, you can see the Seven Sisters waterfall. We leave the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire alone and move on.
By the way, if you don’t want to overpay for housing in the fjord region, you can rent an apartment or house in Norway - it will be cheaper than living in a hotel, especially if you are traveling with family or company.
Dalsnibba and Fludalsjuve
Observation platforms at an altitude of 1500 m. View of Geiranger, clean air, slight chill and a lot of stones - everything I love.
I'm in this photo :) @Photographer Niyaz Aksanov The surroundings of Geiranger, photos of the fjords of Norway:
Nordfjord
The pearl of the Norwegian fjord system. On the shores of the Nordfjord there is a wonderful place where the king of Norway fishes, as well as a beautiful turquoise lake Lovatnet, along which we rode bicycles. We lived at the Hotel Loenfjord, 3* - this is perhaps my favorite hotel in which I have ever lived. It stands where the mountain river flows into the fjord. The food there is incredibly delicious, rooms from 200€.
